Robert Barkes

On the evening of May 19, 2025, with family by his side, Dr. Robert “Bob” Dale Barkes passed from this life.

Bob was born on February 27, 1925, to Walter J. Barkes, Sr. and Hyacinthe (Turner) Barkes of Mishawaka, Indiana. He had two siblings, Walter Barkes, Jr. and Virginia (Barkes) Kincaid. The family moved into a new home on Miami Club Drive only a couple of months before the stock market crash in 1929. His parents lived in that home until their deaths in 1985 (Hyacinthe) and 1989 (Walter). Both siblings also preceded him in death.

Both Walters, as well as Bob, were life-long Chicago Cubs fans. Ironically the last act of each of them was to watch the Cubs.

Bob graduated from Mishawaka High School (1943) before heading to Indiana University where he earned both a combined undergraduate and dental degree (1950). On August 5, 1951, Bob married Dorine L. Durham who was by his side for more than 73 years and was his main caregiver during the final years of his life. Their first of four children, Larry Alan Barkes (Diana Cook) was born in 1952, but before the family could get settled, Bob was shipped to South Korea to serve as a dentist in the Korean War. Upon his return, the couple bought their first home on Linden Avenue in Mishawaka for $6K which Bob felt was over-priced. Bob joined his father and brother in a Dental practice on North Main Street.

With a second child on the way, Bob and Dorine moved to a house on Byrkit Avenue. Thomas Michel Barkes (JoAnn McCarthy) was born in 1955 and Barbara Louise Barkes (Edward Addleman) in 1958. In 1964, Bob and Dorine built a new home on Hampton Road and in the next year they welcomed their fourth child Richard Lee Barkes (Mara Flecker).

Active in the community, Bob served on many community boards. He was a long-time member of Mishawaka Kiwanis serving as president in 1974. He also served as president of the Mishawaka Dental Society.

In 1974, urban renewal claimed the building in which Bob and Walt had their dental practice. The brothers then built separate practices. Bob moved his practice to 5th Street in Mishawaka where he practiced until he retired in 1991. Like many people Bob and Dorine moved south upon his retirement. Unlike most, however, they only moved as far as Warsaw, Indiana, where they became avid fans of the Warsaw Tigers (although it is unclear who he rooted for when the Tigers played the Cavemen). Bob also became active in Warsaw Kiwanis, and he and Dorine have been long-time members of the Warsaw Trinity United Methodist Church.

One of Bob’s great pleasures was singing. He has sung with the South Bend Symphonic Choir and the Warsaw Community Choir. He performed in musicals with the South Bend Presbyterian Players, and of course, sang at the church which he did well into his 90’s.

While many knew him as Bob or Dr. Barkes, many others knew him by other titles: 4 children and their spouses called him dad, 15 kids know him as grandpa, 22 kids know him as great-grandpa, and 3 know him as great-great-grandpa (although these numbers seem to change often).

Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw is entrusted with Bob’s care. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home (2000 Sheridan St. Warsaw, IN 46580) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 12:00pm until the 1:00pm funeral service. Burial at Oakwood with military honors will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family who feel inclined may contribute to the Trinity United Methodist Church (832 E Center St, Warsaw, Indiana, 46580-3325) or the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw (P.O. Box 773, Warsaw, IN 46580).

To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com